Measuring I-V Characteristics Of Solar Cells; Introduction; Equipment Required - Tektronix Keithley SourceMeter 2450 User Manual

In this section:

Introduction .............................................................................. 9-1

Equipment required .................................................................. 9-1

Set up remote communications ................................................ 9-2
Device connections .................................................................. 9-2
Solar cell characterization ........................................................ 9-5
Introduction
This example application demonstrates how to use the 2450 SourceMeter
the I-V characteristics of a solar cell.
From the I-V characteristics measured by the 2450, you can determine important parameters about
the solar cell, including:
•
Maximum current (I
•
Maximum power (P
•
Open circuit voltage (V
•
Short-circuit current (I
Because the 2450 has four-quadrant source capability, it can sink up to 1 A of cell current as a
function of the applied voltage.
Equipment required
•
One 2450 SourceMeter
•
For front-panel connections, use four insulated banana cables, such as the Keithley Instruments
Model 8608 High-Performance Clip Lead Set (one set included with the 2450; you will need
another set)
•
For rear-panel connections, use four triaxial cables
•
One solar cell

Measuring I-V characteristics of solar cells

) and voltage (V
MAX
)
MAX
)
OC
)
SC
®
Instrument
)
MAX
Section 9
®
Instrument to measure